Be Diligent In Love

Jesus said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’  This is the first and great commandment.  And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.Matthew 22:37-39

The Lord longs for us to do everything for Him with the right motive: because we love the Lord. How can we have a consistent love in this life, toward God and also others? It is by being diligent in love. Diligent in having an understanding: truly learn and make an effort.

The first principle to be diligent in love is building a true relationship. Relationship is the main factor of having a consistent love. Through a strong and deep relationship, unity will be created. An intimate relationship with the Lord can be done in various ways such as personal praise and worship, family altar, meditating on God’s Word, being active in LIGHT cell group, attending services and etc. Therefore, even if we are busy, we ought to give time for the Lord.

The second principle is holding fast to holiness. Fear of the Lord is honoring the Lord and avoiding evil. Joseph, a young man, had the attitude of fearing the Lord we should exemplify. Joseph was tempted by Potiphar’s wife. Even though the temptations came multiple times, Joseph firmly rejected them. Sometimes the devil offers opportunities for us to sin as a test. How is our attitude in facing them? Joseph successfully came out with victory as he faced this test and he was promoted by the Lord. But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:15-16

The third principle is being committed to the truth – the truth of God’s Word. As God’s children, don’t compromise even if those things are trends that are followed by many. One of the characteristics of the postmodern era according to Alvin Toffler is that there is no system that is absolute; everything is relative – including the truth.  The Bible reveals that God’s Word is an absolute truth; even Jesus said that He is the truth. Jesus confronts those who show tolerance of sin and those who compromise.

The last principle is developing the attitude of forgiving one another. Forgiveness and love are like two sides of the same coin. In our Christian life, we will interact with people around us and conflicts can occur – whenever and wherever. Conflicts that cannot be resolved can result in hurt and disappointment, and it will be difficult to be diligent in love. Conflicts can be resolved by forgiving one another. Love toward God is the foundation for us to love one another. The more love someone has for the Lord, the more they can love one another. That love needs to be treated so that it can grow. Love to the Lord and others needs to be done diligently, seriously and with an effort. Let us keep being diligent in love. Amen.

Source: Article from GBI Gatot Subroto, Jakarta